Visit Nepal 2020is known to all that Nepal is known as one of the paramount places for travel. It has outstanding Himalayan beauty, exotic multicultural aspects that attract visitors from all parts of the world. After the great success of the Nepal Tourist Year 1998 and the Nepal Tourist Year 2011, the Nepal Tourism Board announced Visit Nepal 2020. The visit Nepal campaign was announced in 2015 to be held in 2018, but due to some circumstances was later postponed to 2020.
The mainstream media advertised Nepal as being completely devastated by the 2015 earthquake and failed to show that Kathmandu and other major cities were almost intact. The earthquake affected the tourist inflow in 2016 as the number of visitors decreased by half compared to the year before.
The year 2017 inflow of tourists bounce back to the pre-earthquake numbers. 940,218 foreigners entered the nation in 2017. Some went for recreational operations while some traveled to support the individuals of impacted regions and with the motivation to assist the nation by visiting Nepal economically.
The campaign, Visit Nepal 2020, was scheduled in 2018 to promote that Nepal was a safe place to travel.
Objectives of Visit Nepal 2020
Increase international tourist arrivals to Nepal approx. 2 million by 2020.
A goal and strategy upgrading the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management to a Tourism University.
To promote tourism industries for sustainable development, grow, and encourage tourism by means of simple, secure, reliable, and regular air and land transport.
To extend the Tribhuvan International Airport and construction of Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa before the Visit Nepal Year 2020.
Visit Nepal History
Visit Nepal 2020 will not be the only Visit Nepal event organized in the country’s history. There have also been 2 visits to Nepal events held in the past. They are the Visit Nepal 1998 and the Visit Nepal 2011. Reasons for visiting Nepal For countless different factors, it’s definitely worth going to Nepal. No wonder, when you visit the country before you die, this is the place. Thanks to its massive mountain tops, mostly globe trotters come to this beautiful nation for trekking, but other areas should surely not be missed. Nepal is a country with numerous tourist attractions and exclusive travel experiences waiting to welcome visitors from all around the globe.
Nepal has been split up into three geographical regions where, relative to other Himalayan and Hilly areas, terai has the most population. Travelers whose interests lie outside of walking then trekking will surely enjoy their stay in this Himalayan country with full memories to take home, which is worth your hard-earned bucks.
It’s a real adventure, and reaching the Himalayas has the cachet of being a wild ride. In such a small country, the endless possibilities make Nepal such a good value for money. Nepal has undeniably capitalized on its image as welcoming and supportive. You will rarely find anyone who doesn’t consider the signature people of Nepal.
Nepal is entirely unrivaled in terms of mixed cultures, access to adventure tourism, rivers, historic sites, and national character–there’s nothing like it elsewhere. It is a popular destination for those in the know for once in a lifetime vacations.
Nepal is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, which have been nominated based on their cultural and natural value.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Boudanath
Patan Durbar Square
Lumbini
Sagarmatha National Park
Pashupatinath Temple
SwoyumbhuNath
Changunarayan Temple
Chitwan National Park
Top 5 places to visit in Nepal
1. Kathmandu
From ancient Buddhist monasteries to Hindu temples to spice shops, Kathmandu offers everything from making you sneeze and buy exotic goods. At first sight, Kathmandu may seem’ wild,’ but you can find peace behind the curtain by visiting the Swayambhunath’ Monkey’ Temple or the Kopan Monastery where you will find a little bit of Nirvana.
When food is your thing, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll be left to saliva for more after trying momos or garlic soup (which there are unlimited supplies of). The valley is the mainstream of the country, so it looks very busy at day time and which occurs massive traffic jams, but after the sun sets, the night feels calm and peace.
There are so many places to visit in the capital city of Nepal, but it may take you more than 2 weeks to complete the taste of Kathmandu only. Some famous destinations in Kathmandu are:
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Pashupatinath
Swayambhunath
SundariJal
Vaquita Wan
Chandragiri Hill
Nagarkot
Budhanilkantha
2. Pokhara
Pokhara is the city where you will find less number of local people in compare to foreign visitors. This city is also Nepal’s center, as it carries half of Nepal’s tourism. The list below is more like interacting with virtual eyes than thinking.
Chitwan is always part of the route to Nepal. So if you’re visiting and maybe thinking about what to do in Chitwan, it is all about safari, forest, and a real feeling of wildlife, where Rhino is found only in Nepal. Chitwan is well known for its warm weather in West Nepal. The best time to visit Chitwan is October to March because it would be about January to March for the best time to see wildlife on a Chitwan National Park safari.
4. Lumbini
Lumbini is found in the terai region of Nepal, and popular among the tourists who want to know more about Buddhism. It is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. There are many magnificent and ancient monasteries in this holy place. You can also have some other religious monuments and historic sites or locations like the Eternal Peace Flame, the Pagoda of Peace, etc. And it was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1997.
5. Mustang
If you’re planning on Mustang, fix your shoelaces and pack your bags, and let’s have a Mustang ride. One of Mustang’s best time to visit is from September to November. Mustang’s taste comes when you’re driving your own car. Because the tracks, curves, tunnels, and rugged slipping paths are going to raise your heart-beats, and that is what Mustang is all about. This scope is cold and dry, where if you misguide the roads, you can easily lose. You will be taken away from your teams by the long dry mountains, which may be your last trip. There are so many places in Upper Mustang, where you can’t miss out, and the locals can easily guide if you get the wrong path by GPS. The different cultures, foods, dresses can be seen here.
Introduction to Trekking in Nepal
If you take the name “Nepal,” you only have one picture in mind, i.e., Himalayas. Perhaps one of the most popular things to do is trekking in Nepal. Every year, the country’s majestic mountains draw thousands of visitors. Trekking in Nepal can be an excellent way to be acquired with the culture and customsof the people. Nepal has many gorgeous destinations, not lacking in the local dimension, offering great trekking trips and amazing experiences. Trekking in Nepal can be an excellent way to be acquired with the culture and customs of the people. Nepal has many gorgeous destinations, not lacking in the local dimension, offering great trekking trips and amazing experiences.
Nearly all the trails were found in the Himalayas, the upper part of Nepal, mainly populated by Mongolian tribes, including Gurung, Magar, and Sherpas. So what makes Nepal’s trekking trip enjoyable is not just the beautiful sight of trees, lakes, streams, mountains, flora, and fauna that you can see as you walk along the paths. It is also the Mongolian cultural values and activities with which you get to be in touch when living in the hotels while listening to the guide and local people tell the stories while walking and slipping along the steep, rugged paths. Nepal has grown out of fourteen eight of the world’s highest peaks. Nepal is considered one of the most popular destinations for mountain adventure owing to its rich geographical diversity.
Some of the best parts to Trek in Nepal
1. Annapurna Region
Annapurna is considered to be the world’s highest and most dangerous mountain to climb. At 8,091 meters (26,545 ft) above sea level, Annapurna Circuit has often been voted the best long-distance trek in the world and also the tenth highest mountain in the world. This trek includes Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri with the most stunning and close-up view. You can bunk out in comfortable tea house lodges on the journey and enjoy the sumptuous pies of the apple found here. The trekking goes through the lovely villages and terraced fields, providing a glimpse into how this area’s residents live. And the route takes you through woods of rhododendron, passes and glacier streams and waterfalls, and offers spectacular views of bright cliffs with rivers running down below. This is at least once in a lifetime a must-do hike.
Mardi Himal Trekking
Annapurna Luxury Trek
Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek
ABC Heli Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Poon Hill Trek
2. Everest Region
The Everest base camp walk is a lifetime experience, a dream for those over the peaks whose hopes rise. Your trek to Everest Base Camp at the height of 5,364 meters to the basecamp of the highest mountain in the world will take you through underground Buddhist monasteries, over suspension bridges spanning thin air chasms, delicious food and into the heart of cold and rugged Sherpa people. Everest Base Camp Trekking is and always is in the name of two men (Tenzing Sherpa & Edmund Hillary) who have dared to climb to the top of Mount Everest and have become the world’s most popular hiking destination.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Gokyo Lake Renjo La Pass Trek
Everest Chola Pass Trek
Everest Base Camp Heli Trek
EBC Luxury Trek
Everest Panorama Trek
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
3. Langtang Region
The view of the Langtang region is eye-catching and more adventurous trekking where tourists will visit. This Langtang located north of Kathmandu valley. This trek takes you across beautiful villages, forests, rivers, and mountain views. The Langtang area covered by Langtang National Park. The area of the Langtang region populated by an ethnic group. Generally, people from the region visit Tibetan Buddhism.
Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Heli Trek
Gosaikunda Langtang Trek
Helambu Trek
Tamang Heritage Trail
Gosaikunda trek
4. Mardi Himal trek
With an elevation of 5587 m, Mardi Himal is situated within the Annapurna zone. Mardi Himal Trek is becoming popular day by day due to the shorter distance and exceptional views. If you don’t have enough time to reach either ABC or EBC, then this is a better option for Mardi Himal Trek 12 days. If you want to spend time with the locals, they will have comfortable homes ready to serve you. The high camp of Mardi Himal is situated at a height of 3850 m. This is the trek’s highest point of rest. Annapurna South seems to be near enough to smash at a rock, and Machhapuchhre is close enough to touch himself.
5. Upper Dolpo
Upper Dolpo is Nepal’s lost soul stone with its villages in Tibetan theme, beautiful desert landscapes, and picturesque mountain peaks. The country has a centuries-old culture that the modern world is untouched by. Upon leaving Kathmandu, it is a 25-day journey, and the trekking time begins from Nepalgunj. Upper Dolpo is a restricted area where US$ 500 is paid for the first 10 days, and US$ 50 is charged for each day. The relatively high fee allowed for trekking limits the number of trekkers visiting Upper Dolpo, making this trek a very rare and exclusive experience. The path includes the crossing of Nagdalo La (5350 m), Shey La (5000 m), and Jeng La (5110 m) three high passes.
6. Kanchenjunga
Most people believe that the best trekking path in Nepal is the Mount Kanchenjunga trek. The walk follows the area around Kanchenjunga, which is the world’s third-highest mountain where Kanchenjunga Conservation Area stretches over 2.035 m. It’s a long trek that goes deep into the remote mountain ranges on the border between Nepal and Sikkim and Tibet. Kanchenjunga Trekking offers the best views of Mt. Kanchenjunga 8586, Mt. Makalu 7463 m, Jahnu Himal, diverse scenery, mixed community. You will see a wide variety of scenery from lush tropical vegetation to rhododendron, chestnut, and oak trees and then into the alpine region at higher altitudes. Through Rai and Limbus to Tibetan Buddhist villages, you will see a variety of Nepalese culture and lifestyle. Autumn & spring season is the Kanchenjunga region’s best time trekking.
Religions of Nepal
Nepal’s sectarian protests have never happened. The overwhelming majority of the population were Hindu and Buddhist, and most religious joined by various ethnic groups. Most of these denominations were animism-shaped. We believe in a host of ghosts and supernatural beings as their ancestors worshiped them. In the early 1990s, Nepal was the world’s first officially recognized Hindu state; however, Hindu and Buddhist traditions were intermingled. Just two religions constitute 98 % of Nepal’s population, where only 2 % are held by other faiths such as Jainism, and Kirant, etc. Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal have shared many of their places of worship, seeing parallels in the religious beliefs and practices of each other-one of them. Mainly through festivals such as Buddha Jayanti and Indrajatra celebrating together. There are a lot of people who follow all religions.
1. Hinduism
Approximately 85% of the Hinduism population worship millions of gods and goddesses who make up the Hindu pantheon. Each god has his / her own steed that is often seen respectfully kneeling at the deity’s feet or sometimes outside the temple of that god. The various hands of each god hold abstract items that inspire them to accomplish great feats. Hindus in Nepal, like Hindus elsewhere, are polytheistic and celebrate various festivals throughout the year, such as Dashain & Tihar (Durga Puja and Diwali counterpart in Nepal), Gaijatra, Fagun Purnima (Holi), Krishna Janmashtami, etc. Some of the well-known Hindu temples are the Pashupatinath and Budhanilkantha. Some find Janakpur in Nepal to be Sita’s birthplace and hence, another holy place.
2. Buddhism
Buddhism’s faith traces its roots from history, with Lumbini being Lord Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal. Sakyamuni Buddha is the father of Buddhism who, after his birth in Lumbini in Southern Nepal, lived and studied in this part of the world during the sixth century BC. Swayambhunath and Bouddanath’s great stupas are among the Kathmandu Valley’s oldest and most majestic worship places. The spinning of prayer wheels, prostrating monks, team singing and burning butter lamps are but some of the Buddhist practices that visitors witness, despite nearly 10-12 percent of Nepalese and other Tibetan refugees observe these spiritual actions here.
Ethnic Group in Nepal
Nepal is a multi-ethnic state, the official language being Nepali. With an average family size of 4.9%, the country has a population of over 27 million inhabitants. Nepalese are divided into different ethnic or national communities. Nepalese associate citizenship rather than race with their nationality.
1. Chhetri
According to the 2011 census, the Chhetri is considered the largest ethnic group in Nepal, representing 16.6% of the population. Chhetri belongs to the Indo-Aryan, who belongs to the Kshatriya varna and primarily speaks Nepali. Most of the Chhetri (99%) belong to the ethnic Hindu community, while the remaining minority are Buddhists.
2. Bahun
Bahuns are the central Nepalese who follow the practices of Vedic and Brahmin. The Bahun is Nepal’s second-largest ethnic group, with 12.2% of Nepalese. Vedas and Brahmin are giving their primary identity to this ethnic group. Vedas consist of literature consisting of ancient layers of Sanskrit texts and Hindu scriptures. Brahmins are clergy and teachers in charge of safeguarding religious education.
3. Magar
The Magar is one of Nepal’s largest ethnic groups. Magars dominate the Dhaulagiri area’s southern and western parts. According to the 2011 census, the country’s third-largest ethnic community, the ethnic group makes up 7.1 % of Nepali’s population.
4. Tharu
The Tharu people are native to the Terai region, and the government of Nepal considers them as official citizens. Tharu makes up 6.5% of all Nepalese, making them the country’s fourth-largest ethnic group.
5. Newar
Newar people in Nepal make up about half of the Kāthmāndu Valley population. They speak a language that belongs to the Tibeto-Burman community, but Indian religious and social traditions have strongly influenced their culture. Nepal’s Newar population in the early 21st century is estimated to be about 1,250,000. Collectively, some other casts such as Tamang, Kami, Madheshi, Muslims, Yadav, and Rai comprise about 25 % of Nepalese people. Hindu is with Buddhism, the dominant religion in Nepal.
Festivals of Nepal
Nepal is home to a number of ethnic and indigenous groups. It is a multi-lingual and diverse melting pot. More than 60 ethnic groups have been documented, and many are still developing, with their own culture and customs. They have been celebrating their special festivals. In Nepal, in various months, people celebrate national festivals and regional fairs throughout the year. Some of the famous festivals are the following.
1. MagheSankaranti
According to the Nepali calendar, MagheSakranti is celebrated on the first day of Magh in January. People eat a variety of delicious foods, including ghee, laddoo and Chaku, and sweet potatoes. Married sisters come to the joy of their family.
2. Fagu purnima
Fagupurnima is a vibrant festival that takes place on a full moon day during March. By throwing colors and water at each other, people celebrate this festival. It’s wonderfully celebrated in Nepal’s Terai provinces.
3. Mahashivratri
The festival of MahaShivratri is devoted to Lord Shiva, observed by the Hindus, usually in March on the no-moon day. A large fair organized by millions of Hindu devotees in the city of Pashupatinath. Sadhus are carving their bodies through the ashes and worshiping Shiva all night long.
4. Ghodejatra
Ghodejatra is also regarded as a festival of the horse race, generally held at the end of March (15 Chaitra). It’s magnificent to watch horse activities in Tundikhel by police and army horses. The visitors were usually high-ranking government officials or high-level staff.
5. Gai Jatra
In August, Gai Jatra is held, particularly in the Kathmandu Valley. Participants are from those households that have lost any one or all of their family members. King Pratap Malla started to comfort his mother, who was deeply saddened by a son’s death. This revealed that it was not only the royal family who missed their loved one but many families as well.
6. Buddha Jayanti and Lhosar
Buddha Jayanti is Lord Buddha’s birthday celebration. Buddhist and Hindu devotees march and visit Buddhist Stupas and attempt to spread the world’s message of peace. Losar is New Year for Tibet. People are celebrating it on singing, dancing, and eating delicious food for several days. Tibetans assemble with their masks around the Stupa.
7. Chhath Parba and Teejgrand
Chhath is a festival of worshiping the rising and setting sun by dipping into the water their half of the body. It is mostly celebrated by married women in the Terai region. During the festival, they keep fasting and sing folk songs.
Teej is a three-day festival celebrated by Hindu people. In August or early September, it usually falls. The celebration is held in order to wish the husband’s long life.
8. Vijayadashami and Deepawali
Dashain is Nepal’s longest holiday, held for 15 days. It’s dropped from September to October. The Hindu people worship Durga for nine days and put Tika and Jamara together with the elders’ blessing on the 10th day until the 15th day. Deepawali is known as the Tihar Festival, which is held during the fall for five days. It’s the lighting show. On the fifth day, sisters put tika and garlands called “Bhaitika” on giving some kind of gifts to their brothers and friends. It is known as the party, which makes a good friendship between brothers and sisters.
Adventures sports in Nepal
Nepal gives you various athletic experiences in an exciting way, like the Bungee Jump in the 160-meter deep George on the banks of the river Bhotekoshi, 90 km from Kathmandu city, mountain biking on a natural path over the Himalayan plateau, paragliding over the Himalayan river in Pokhara, mountain flight with a view of 100 mountains at one time, kayaking and rafting on a swift stream.
1. Bungee Jumping
Bungee Jumping
There are two main bungee jumping spots in Nepal. One is situated above the Bhotekoshi River in Pokhara and the other in The Last Resort. The one above the river Bhotekoshi is 160 meters high and is the world’s second-largest bungee. It’s amazing the sense of freefall you get while plunging through the water. This is one of Nepal’s most exceptional ways to get an unforgettable rush of adrenaline.
2. Rafting
Nepal is known for whitewater rafting in the fast-flowing Himalayan Rivers over the harsh water flow. Mainly, Bhotekoshi River and Trishuli River rafting is regarded as Nepal’s adventure sports. Such rivers make you feel nature’s control over you and make you think how worthless you are when sunk into these celestial wonders. While you’re floating on the raft, the sensation of rapids is fantastic.
3. Ziplining
Pokhara’s high-floor experiences provide you with the most incredible Zip lining experience. Pokhara’s Zip-line is the world’s longest, steepest and shortest Zip-line. This Zip-line has a vertical drop of 600 meters, 1.8 KM long, achieving a speed of 140+ KM/hour. Even, it’s fantastic to see the beautiful views of Pokhara and the mountains as you fly through the sky.
4. Paragliding
There are several paragliding options available in Nepal. Paragliding in Nepal is best known from Pokhara’s Sarangkot. This place’s paragliding gives you the feeling of soaring like a drone in the lap of the mountains. You can see the hills all around you while the magnificent lake of Fewa shines in the distance.
5. Canyoning
Canyoning
Canyoning refers to the use of many methods, such as jumping, diving, abseiling, walking, etc. This is done primarily with flowing water in harsh environments. This is a full experience of body and mind that lets you discover some of the Himalayan’s last and intense forbidden areas.
6. Everest Skydiving
Skydiving is regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous jumping adventure sports. Add the mountains to this trip now, isn’t it looking incredible? Everest Skydiving is one of the tallest mountains in the world in the Everest zone of Nepal. It helps you to dive from the 9000-meter height, which is higher than Mt. Everest’s elevation itself. The skydiving passes through the Everest region’s mountain ranges and finishes in the village of Shenyang.
7. Mountain Biking
Nepal is a beautiful place for mountain biking, full of rough terrain and harsh landscapes. You can choose to ride the mountain bike from rocky hills to the Rocky Mountains. The unforgettable feeling in Nepal is the adrenaline rush when you travel along steep roads of peaks all around. Mostly famous in the areas around Pokhara, this sport has possibilities in virtually every area in northern Nepal.
Which season is best to visit Nepal? How the weather changes here?
Traveling in and through Nepal is not subject to seasonal restrictions. Even in December and January, when winter is at its worst, warm sun and brilliant scenery can be accounted for. As with most of Nepal’s trekking areas, spring and autumn are the best time to visit. Spring is the season for blooming rhododendrons, while the clearest clouds will be seen in October and November after the monsoon.
However, Nepal can be visited throughout the year. Nepal has four seasons, including autumn (September and Oct.), winter (Dec. Jan. and Feb.), summer (March, April, and May) and monsoon (June, July, and Aug.). The nights are chilly in the mountains during the winter season, but the bright sun produces warm daytime temperatures. Temperature varies from around 20 ° C to perhaps –10 ° C at night at a higher altitude. Generally, morning is sunny, and then afternoon clouds build-up, fading at night to reveal dazzling starry skies.
How Safe is Nepal? visit Nepal 2020
Nepal is a relatively safe country in general, and Nepalese is one of the friendliest people ever encountered. When you headed south towards the Terai and the Nepali-Indian border crossings, these threats were significantly escalated, and locating a safe hotel became a much more arduous task. Travelers heading south must receive itinerary-specific advice prior to the trip to make sure that safe lodging is scheduled in advance.
Nepal is a peaceful nation, and there seems to be no terrorist activity ever occurring, despite overviewing the country from the past. Anyone can trustfully find Nepal as a secure destination for travelers for a foreign traveler. Thanks to rough roads and a few transport modes, driving with your own car can minimize the transportation headache in remote areas. If you’re talking about natural disasters like earthquakes, make sure it’s coming right now where you’re at. Nepalese are polite, compassionate, and kind-hearted, so when traveling to Nepal, you can quickly get help while you are in trouble. You don’t have to think much about burglary or robbery, but you have to be a little vigilant. It’s as safe for women as it is for boys. In Nepal, a guest is like gods, and it’s pronounced “Atithi Devo bhava” in Nepalese language.
Is Nepal a costly country for travelers visit Nepal 2020?
Living costs in Nepal were 59.20 percent lower than in the U.S., France, and Britain. There is a wide range of accommodation costs in Nepal. This varies depending on where you’re living. Cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan can provide you with a wide variety of lodging options. The rooms with a low budget can be rented at about $10 per day. The rates may be as high as $100 per day based on where you’re living. If you’re far from these cities and walk to the mesmerizing Himalayas, the price of lodging is about $2-$5 for a day’s sleep. There’s not much to choose from. If you’re going to other cities, the average daily cost is $10-$20. If we’re talking about food and traveling; food costs depend entirely on your preference. But each meal costs about $5 in the high areas. Nepal’s transportation costs were somewhat the same. Any internal flight can be estimated to be between $100-$200. Local bus tariffs for a day-long journey can take up to $10-20, depending on the bus you use.
It’s an honor for Nepali people to welcome the tourists with all kind heart and pleasant smile with soft talk. Nepal has a huge population who follows the Hindu religion, and with second-highest populations, they follow Buddhism and fewer number of the population follows other religions too. But having such numbers of religion and their followers, there is zero fight or discrimination has occurred till now in the name of religion. People believe peace and humanity instead of giving priority to their faith.
The traveling, food, lodging/Hotel, and tours are very cheaper than the expected and which makes everyone comfortable to visit Nepal again and again.
